U.S. patent application number 16/736809 was filed with the patent office on 2020-07-16 for planter system and methods for using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eric M. Bacolas. Invention is credited to Eric M. Bacolas.
Application Number | 20200221646 16/736809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 71516445 |
Filed Date | 2020-07-16 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200221646 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bacolas; Eric M. |
July 16, 2020 |
PLANTER SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR USING SAME
Abstract
Disclosed herein are a planter apparatus and system. In one
aspect, a planter system and apparatus can include one or more
planting compartments, a water collection reservoir in fluid
communication with at least one of the one or more planting
compartments, and a water drainage system configured to drain water
from one planting compartment into another planting compartment,
drain water from one planting compartment into the water collection
reservoir, or drain water from inside the water collection
reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or a
combination thereof. The planter apparatus may be further
configured to include a water flow control component configured to:
open for the flow of water through the water drainage system, and
close, thus stopping the flow of water through the water drainage
system based on the engagement and disengagement of a water
drainage stopper mechanism at the base of the water drainage
stopper. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the disclosed
planter devices and systems.
Inventors: |
Bacolas; Eric M.; (Brooklyn,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Bacolas; Eric M. |
Brooklyn |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
71516445 |
Appl. No.: |
16/736809 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62789320 |
Jan 7, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01G 9/02 20130101; A01G
27/02 20130101; A01G 9/247 20130101; A01G 27/003 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 9/02 20060101
A01G009/02; A01G 9/24 20060101 A01G009/24; A01G 27/00 20060101
A01G027/00 |
Claims
1. A planter system comprising: a planter apparatus comprising: one
or more planting compartments, a water collection reservoir in
fluid communication with at least one of the one or more planting
compartments; and a water drainage system configured to drain water
from one planting compartment into another planting compartment,
drain water from one planting compartment into the water collection
reservoir, or drain water from inside the water collection
reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or a
combination thereof.
2. The planter system of claim 1, wherein the water drainage system
comprises at least one flow control component.
3. (canceled)
4. The planter system of claim 2, wherein the water drainage system
comprises a flow control component configured to drain water from
one planting compartment into another planting compartment, a flow
control component configured to drain water from one planting
compartment into the water collection reservoir, or a flow control
component configured to drain water from inside the water
collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or
a combination thereof.
5. The planter system of claim 4, wherein the water drainage system
comprises a first flow control component configured to drain water
from the one or more planting compartments into the water
collection reservoir and a second flow control component configured
to drain water from inside the water collection reservoir to
outside the water collection reservoir.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The planter system of claim 4, wherein the flow control
component comprises an actuator in mechanical communication with a
valve and configured to actuate the valve from an open position to
a closed position and/or from a closed position to an open
position.
9. The planter system of claim 8, wherein the open position is
configured to allow for the flow of water through the water
drainage system, and the closed position is configured to stop the
flow of water through the water drainage system based on the
engagement and disengagement of the flow control component.
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. The planter system of claim 9, further comprising a plurality
of planting compartments; wherein the one or more planting
compartments are configured in at least one of: a nested
configuration, an interlocking configuration. and a stacked
configuration.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. The planter system of claim 14, wherein the a planting
compartment is in fluid communication with a second planting
compartment.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. The planter system of claim 21, wherein the second planting
compartment comprises a flow control component disposed on a bottom
wall, the flow control component comprising a drain and a valve
configured to control a flow of water flowing from the second
planting compartment into the water collection reservoir by moving
a valve position from an open position to a closed position.
25. (canceled)
26. The planter system of claim 14, wherein at least one planting
compartment comprises a flow control component disposed on a bottom
wall, the flow control component comprising a drain configured
allow a flow of water from said planting compartment into another
planting compartment.
27. (canceled)
28. The planter system of claim 24, wherein the flow control
component comprises an actuator in mechanical communication with
the valve and configured to actuate the valve from a closed
position to an open position to allow flow of water from within the
second planting compartment.
29. The planter system of claim 28, wherein the valve is configured
to be in the closed position in the absence of engagement of the
actuator, and is configured to allow for the flow of water through
the water drainage system, and the closed position is configured to
stop the flow of water through the water drainage system based on
the engagement and disengagement of the flow control component.
30. The planter system of claim 29, wherein the water collection
reservoir comprises a drawer configured to be removably inserted
into the planter apparatus.
31. The planter system of claim 30, wherein the drawer comprises an
elongated member configured to cooperate with the flow control
component to control flow of water from within a planting
compartment.
32. The planter system of claim 31, wherein the drawer comprises an
elongated member configured to cause the valve position to move
from the closed position to the open position by actuating the
actuator when the drawer is inserted into the planter
apparatus.
33. (canceled)
34. The planter system of claim 31, wherein the planter apparatus
comprises a housing for containing the one or more planting
compartments, water collection reservoir and water drainage
system.
35. The planter system of claim 31, further comprising an outer
shell configured to removably attach to an outer surface of the
planter apparatus.
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. (canceled)
44. (canceled)
45. (canceled)
46. (canceled)
47. The planter system of claim 32, wherein water collection
reservoir comprises a second flow control component comprising a
removable stopper and drain disposed on a wall of the water
collection reservoir and configured to allow flow of water from
within the water collection reservoir to outside the water
collection reservoir.
48. A planter system comprising: a planter apparatus comprising:
first and second planting compartments, a water collection
reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the one or
more planting compartments; and a water drainage system configured
to drain water from one planting compartment into another planting
compartment, drain water from one planting compartment into the
water collection reservoir, or drain water from inside the water
collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or
a combination thereof; wherein the water drainage system comprises
a first flow control component configured to drain water from the
one or more planting compartments into the water collection
reservoir and a second flow control component configured to drain
water from inside the water collection reservoir to outside the
water collection reservoir, the first flow control component
comprising a drain and a valve configured to control a flow of
water flowing from the second planting compartment into the water
collection reservoir by moving a valve position from an open
position to a closed position; and wherein the water collection
reservoir comprises a drawer configured to be removably inserted
into the planter apparatus; the drawer including an elongated
member configured to cooperate with the flow control component to
control flow of water from within the planting compartment by
causing a valve position of a first flow control component to move
from the closed position to the open position by actuating an
actuator when the drawer is inserted into the planter
apparatus.
49. The planter system of claim 48, wherein the water collection
reservoir comprises a second flow control component comprising a
removable stopper and drain disposed on a wall of the water
collection reservoir and configured to allow flow of water from
within the water collection reservoir to outside the water
collection reservoir.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/789,320, filed Jan. 7, 2019,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to planter
apparatuses and systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] For plants to naturally grow successfully, they need
consistent sun, nutrients, water and also appropriate drainage. In
nature, the ideal watering arrangement is allowing water to
thoroughly soak into the soil, reach the roots, and then continue
to drain such that plant roots do not remain sitting in water for
extended periods of time. Additionally, as plants and their roots
grow, the threat of becoming rootbound can contribute to a plant
becoming unhealthy due to the roots displacing soil, and the
subsequent tangling of the roots causing stress on the plant, and
depriving the plant of adequate nutrients, water, and/or food.
These situations are exacerbated in planting containers due to
limited volume and inadequate drainage. Existing planters have made
attempts to solve these problems with limited efficacy.
Accordingly, there remains a need for improved planter systems that
address the aforementioned challenges of growing plants in
containers. This need and other needs are satisfied by the various
aspects of the present disclosure.
BRIEF OVERVIEW
[0004] A planter system and apparatus may be provided herein. This
brief overview is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in
a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed
Description. This brief overview is not intended to identify key
features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor
is this brief overview intended to be used to limit the claimed
subject matter's scope.
[0005] Both the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed
description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly,
the foregoing brief overview and the following detailed description
should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or
variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein.
For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature
combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed
description. In accordance with the purposes of the disclosure, as
embodied and broadly described herein, the disclosure, in one
aspect, relates to a planter system comprising: a planter apparatus
comprising: one or more planting compartments, a water collection
reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the one or
more planting compartments, and a water drainage system configured
to drain water from one planting compartment into another planting
compartment, drain water from one planting compartment into the
water collection reservoir, and/or drain water from inside the
water collection reservoir to outside the water collection
reservoir. In further aspects, the planter system and apparatuses
can include an external casing or panels that can be removed or
replaced to change the physical appearance of the planter.
[0006] In further aspects, the disclosure also relates to methods
for using the disclosed planter systems and apparatuses.
[0007] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in
part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or can be learned by practice of the
disclosure. The advantages of the disclosure will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that
both the foregoing general description and the following detailed
description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not
restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate various
embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings contain
representations of various trademarks and copyrights owned by the
Applicants. In addition, the drawings may contain other marks owned
by third parties and are being used for illustrative purposes only.
All rights to various trademarks and copyrights represented herein,
except those belonging to their respective owners, are vested in
and the property of the Applicants. The Applicants retain and
reserve all rights in their trademarks and copyrights included
herein, and grant permission to reproduce the material only in
connection with reproduction of the granted patent and for no other
purpose.
[0009] Furthermore, the drawings may contain text or captions that
may explain certain embodiments of the present disclosure. This
text is included for illustrative, non-limiting, explanatory
purposes of certain embodiments detailed in the present
disclosure.
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 7 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 8 shows a depiction of a nested planter device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a method for providing a nested
planter system and apparatus with integrated water collection
reservoir drawer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present
disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be
understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality
of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further
incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed
features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as
being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode
contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present
disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional
illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure.
Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations,
modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly
disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the
scope of the present disclosure.
[0020] Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in
detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be
understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure
herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be
construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any
claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined
by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that
the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim
a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the
claim itself.
[0021] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the present
invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the
description set forth herein.
[0022] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.
[0023] Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112, 6, no claim
element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory
provision unless the explicit phrase "means for" or "step for" is
actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory
provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim
element.
[0024] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least
one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the
list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and"
denotes "all of the items of the list".
[0025] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to
refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of
the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and
other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions,
additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated
in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified
by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed
methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not
limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure
is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains
headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as
references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the
subjected matter disclosed under the header.
[0026] The present disclosure includes many aspects and features.
Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are
described in, the context of a planter device, embodiments of the
present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context. The
present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to
the following detailed description of the disclosure and the
Examples included therein.
[0027] Before the present articles, systems, devices, and/or
methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that
they are not limited to specific manufacturing methods unless
otherwise specified, or to particular materials unless otherwise
specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be
understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be
limiting. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent
to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
the present disclosure, example methods and materials are now
described.
[0028] All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in
connection with which the publications are cited.
A. Definitions
[0029] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not
intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the
claims, the term "comprising" can include the aspects "consisting
of" and "consisting essentially of" Unless defined otherwise, all
technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
this disclosure belongs. In this specification and in the claims,
which follow, reference will be made to a number of terms which
shall be defined herein.
[0030] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
reference to "an opening" can include two or more openings.
[0031] Ranges can be expressed herein as from one particular value,
and/or to another particular value. When such a range is expressed,
another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the
other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent `about,` it will be
understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will
be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are
significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that
there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value
is also herein disclosed as "about" that particular value in
addition to the value itself. For example, if the value "10" is
disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It is also understood
that each unit between two particular units are also disclosed. For
example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are
also disclosed.
[0032] As used herein, the terms "about" and "at or about" mean
that the amount or value in question can be the value designated
some other value approximately or about the same. It is generally
understood, as used herein, that it is the nominal value indicated
.+-.10% variation unless otherwise indicated or inferred. The term
is intended to convey that similar values promote equivalent
results or effects recited in the claims. That is, it is understood
that amounts, sizes, formulations, parameters, and other quantities
and characteristics are not and need not be exact, but can be
approximate and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting
tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and
the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art. In
general, an amount, size, formulation, parameter or other quantity
or characteristic is "about" or "approximate" whether or not
expressly stated to be such. It is understood that where "about" is
used before a quantitative value, the parameter also includes the
specific quantitative value itself, unless specifically stated
otherwise.
[0033] The terms "first," "second," "first part," "second part,"
and the like, where used herein, do not denote any order, quantity,
or importance, and are used to distinguish one element from
another, unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0034] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means
that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot
occur, and that the description includes instances where said event
or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. For
example, the phrase "optionally affixed to the surface" means that
it can or cannot be fixed to a surface.
[0035] Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise
expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set
forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed
in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not
actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not
otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that
the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way
intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for
any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including:
matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical
organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects
described in the specification.
[0036] Disclosed are the components to be used to manufacture the
disclosed devices, systems, and articles of the disclosure as well
as the devices themselves to be used within the methods disclosed
herein. These and other materials are disclosed herein, and it is
understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups,
etc. of these materials are disclosed that while specific reference
of each various individual and collective combinations and
permutation of these materials cannot be explicitly disclosed, each
is specifically contemplated and described herein. For example, if
a particular material is disclosed and discussed and a number of
modifications that can be made to the materials are discussed,
specifically contemplated is each and every combination and
permutation of the material and the modifications that are possible
unless specifically indicated to the contrary. Thus, if a class of
materials A, B, and C are disclosed as well as a class of materials
D, E, and F and an example of a combination material, A-D is
disclosed, then even if each is not individually recited each is
individually and collectively contemplated meaning combinations,
A-E, A-F, B-D, B-E, B-F, C-D, C-E, and C-F are considered
disclosed. Likewise, any subset or combination of these is also
disclosed. Thus, for example, the sub-group of A-E, B-F, and C-E
would be considered disclosed. This concept applies to all aspects
of this application including, but not limited to, steps in methods
of making and using the articles and devices of the disclosure.
Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be
performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can
be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of
the methods of the disclosure.
[0037] It is understood that the devices and systems disclosed
herein have certain functions. Disclosed herein are certain
structural requirements for performing the disclosed functions, and
it is understood that there are a variety of structures that can
perform the same function that are related to the disclosed
structures, and that these structures will typically achieve the
same result.
I. Planter Apparatus And System
[0038] Consistent with embodiments of the present disclosure, a
planter system and apparatus may be provided. This overview is
provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form
that are further described below. This overview is not intended to
identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject
matter. Nor is this overview intended to be used to limit the
claimed subject matter's scope. The disclosed planter system and
apparatus may be used by individuals to more effectively and
aesthetically grow plants in indoors and/or outdoors.
[0039] Both the foregoing overview and the following detailed
description provide examples and are explanatory only. Accordingly,
the foregoing overview and the following detailed description
should not be considered to be restrictive. Further, features or
variations may be provided in addition to those set forth herein.
For example, embodiments may be directed to various feature
combinations and sub-combinations described in the detailed
description.
[0040] As briefly described above, the present disclosure relates,
in various aspects, to planter apparatuses and planter systems
comprising the planter apparatuses. In one aspect, the present
disclosure provides a planter system comprising at least one
planter apparatus. In further aspects, the planter apparatus may
comprise one or more planting compartments, a water collection
reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the one or
more planting compartments; and a water drainage system configured
to drain water from one planting compartment into another planting
compartment, drain water from one planting compartment into the
water collection reservoir, or drain water from inside the water
collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or
a combination thereof.
[0041] In various aspects, the disclosed planter systems and
apparatuses may employ or otherwise comprise a water drainage
system configured to drain water from one planting compartment into
another planting compartment, drain water from one planting
compartment into the water collection reservoir, or drain water
from inside the water collection reservoir to outside the water
collection reservoir, or a combination thereof. In further aspects,
the planter apparatus and/or water drainage system comprises at
least one flow control component. In some aspects, a plurality of
flow control components may be utilized. In yet further aspects, a
flow control component may be configured to drain water from one
planting compartment into another planting compartment. In still
further aspects, a flow control component may be configured to
drain water from one planting compartment into the water collection
reservoir. In still further aspects, a flow control component may
be configured to drain water from inside the water collection
reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir.
[0042] In further aspects, the water drainage system may comprise a
flow control component comprising a drain and a valve configured to
control a flow of water flowing from the one or more planting
compartments by moving a valve position from an open position to a
closed position. In still further aspects, the flow control
component can comprise an actuator in mechanical communication with
the valve and configured to actuate the valve from an open position
to a closed position and/or from a closed position to an open
position. In yet further aspects, the open position may be
configured to allow for the flow of water through the water
drainage system, and the closed position is configured to stop the
flow of water through the water drainage system based on the
engagement and disengagement of the flow control component.
[0043] In further aspects, the water collection reservoir can
comprise a drawer configured to be removably inserted into the
planter apparatus. In still further aspects, the drawer can
comprise an elongated member and/or paddle configured to cause the
valve position to move from the closed position to the open
position by actuating the actuator when the drawer is inserted into
the planter apparatus. In yet further aspects, the water collection
reservoir may comprise a drawer paddle configured to engage and
disengage the flow control component. In even further aspects, the
water collection reservoir may comprise a water gauge for showing a
water level within the water collection reservoir. In still further
aspects, the flow control component used in the present invention
may be configured to move the valve position from the open position
to the closed position when the drawer is removed from the planter
apparatus. In some aspects, the valve may be configured to be the
closed position in the absence of engagement of the actuator is
configured to allow for the flow of water through the water
drainage system, and the closed position is configured to stop the
flow of water through the water drainage system based on the
engagement and disengagement of the flow control component.
[0044] In various embodiments, the planter systems and apparatuses
may be configured for indoor and outdoor uses. In such embodiments,
the water collection reservoir may further a flow control component
configured to drain water from inside the water collection
reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir. The flow
control component may comprise a drain and a valve or stopper
configured to control or allow water to drain out from the water
collection reservoir such as by removing the stopper or moving a
valve position from an open position to a closed position. To this
end, when the planter is being use in an outdoor setting, the
stopper can be left off or the valve positioned in the open setting
to allow continuous draining from the water collection
reservoir.
[0045] In various aspects, the one or more planting compartments
may be configured in at least one of: a nested configuration, an
interlocking configuration, and a stacked configuration. In further
aspects, the planter apparatus may comprise a plurality of planting
compartments. In yet further aspects, a planting compartment may
comprise side and bottom walls defining an interior space having a
predetermined volume. In still further aspects, a planting
compartment of the present invention may be connected and/or in
fluid communication to at least one of: another planting
compartment or water collection reservoir. In even further aspects,
at least one planting compartment comprises a drain disposed on the
bottom wall and configured to allow flow of water from within the
planting compartment into another planting compartment.
[0046] In various aspects, the plurality of planting compartments
may be configured to connect to one another in a nested
configuration, an interlocking configuration, and a stacked
configuration. In further aspects, each of the plurality of
planting compartments can have different volumes. For example, in
some aspects, the planter apparatus can have a first planting
compartment configured to nest or fit within a second planting
compartment. In further aspects, the first planting compartment can
be in fluid communication with the second planting compartment. In
yet further aspects, the second planting compartment can be in
fluid communication with the water collection reservoir. In even
further aspects, the second planting compartment can be in fluid
communication with the water collection reservoir. In some aspects,
the second planting compartment can comprise a flow control
component disposed on a bottom wall, the flow control component
comprising a drain and a valve configured to control a flow of
water flowing from the second planting compartment into the water
collection reservoir by moving a valve position from an open
position to a closed position. In other aspects, the flow control
component can comprise an actuator in mechanical communication with
the valve and configured to actuate the valve from a closed
position to an open position to allow flow of water from within the
second planting compartment.
[0047] In further aspects, the planter apparatus may comprise a
housing or casing for housing one or more apparatus components,
such as one or more planting compartments, water collection
reservoir and water drainage system. In still further aspects, the
housing or casing may be configured for containing the planting
compartments and/or water collection reservoir. In yet further
aspects, the housing can be any shape, and preferably is sized and
shaped to allow for plant growth. The housing can be any shape, and
preferably is in the shape of a three-dimensional polygon and the
housing walls define an interior space or interior sections for
containing the elements of the invention. Any other shape (as used
herein, the term shape is used in the broad sense of
three-dimensional works) may be employed, so long as the shape is
large enough and structured so as to be able to contain the various
working components of the invention as more fully disclosed herein.
The housing may be a generally hollow structure sized to contain
one or more plant media containers and water collection reservoir.
In yet further aspects, the components can be all housed within the
housing such that they are protected from, for example, for
inadvertent damage or external elements. In even further aspects,
the housing can be comprised of plastic, plastic composite,
reinforced plastic, wood, metal, metal composite, or combinations
thereof. In still further aspects, the plastic can comprise
polypropylene, resin, polyethylene, impact resistant plastic, or
the like.
[0048] In further aspects, the planting compartment may be
configured to be detachably connected or inserted into the planter
apparatus. The planting compartment may comprise a planting
container and/or media container, and can be any conventional
container capable of storing plant media, such as soil, and
supporting plant life. In still further aspects, the media
container may be a disposable or replaceable container or the like.
In even further aspects, the plant media can comprise any desired
solid and/or powdered media. In even further aspects, the media can
comprise soil, dirt, sand, peat moss, bark mulch, coir, gravel,
vermiculite, perlite, and combinations thereof.
[0049] In further aspects, the planter apparatus may further
comprise an outer shell and/or panels. In some aspects, the outer
shell and/or panels may be configured to removably attach to an
outer surface of the housing or casing. In other aspects, the outer
shell and/or panels may be integrated with or otherwise comprise an
outer surface of the housing or casing. In still further aspects,
the outer shell may be an external sleeve that slide over the plant
apparatus or individual panels that attach to the outside surface,
for example as a puzzle to completely cover the outside of the
planter apparatus housing. In either configuration the outer shell
can provide numerous options to change the exterior look based on
individual user's preferred design aesthetics to match home decor.
In still further aspects, the outer shell can be comprised of the
same or different material that plant apparatus. In even further
aspects, the outer shell can be comprised of plastic, plastic
composite, reinforced plastic, metal, metal composite, or
combinations thereof. In still further aspects, the plastic can
comprise polypropylene, impact resistant plastic, or the like.
[0050] In further aspects, the system may further comprise at least
one moisture sensor configured to determine moisture data
associated with at least one planting compartment. In still further
aspects, the system may further comprise at least one water level
sensor configured to determine water level data associated with the
water collection reservoir. In even further aspects, the system may
comprise a controller communicatively connected to the sensors and
configured to at least one of: communicate moisture data and/or
water level data, or control operation of the valve based at least
on at least one of the moisture data or water level data.
[0051] In further aspects, the moisture sensor may be configured to
communicate a notification upon meeting predetermined moisture
criteria associated with one or more planting compartments. In
still further aspects, the water level sensor may be configured to
communicate a notification upon meeting predetermined water level
criteria associated with the water collection reservoir. In yet
further aspects, the controller may be configured to communicate a
notification upon meeting predetermined criteria; wherein
predetermined criteria may be based on one or more of moisture data
received from a moisture sensor or water level data received from a
water level sensor. In some aspects, the controller may be
configured to cause the valve position to be in a closed position
when water level data received from the at least one water level
sensor is above a predetermined threshold.
[0052] In further aspects, planter system may comprise a display
unit configured to show information related to planter apparatus
status, settings, parameters, or performance, or a combination
thereof. In still further aspects, the display unit may be further
configured to generate a user interface (UI), wherein the UI is
configured to enable a user of the planter system to perform
management of the planter apparatus. In yet further aspects, the
system may comprise a communication unit configured to communicate
with a client device or remote monitoring device. In even further
aspects, the controller may be further configured to generate a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) presentable on a client device,
wherein the GUI is configured to enable a user of the client device
to perform management of the planter apparatus. In some aspects,
operation and management of the planter apparatus may be controlled
by or through a computing device, such by using a mobile
application on a client device. The computing device may comprise,
but not be limited to, a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, "smart"
device, "internet of things" (IoT) device, or mobile
telecommunications device, or the like. In further aspects, the
planter system may be configured to operate using or be otherwise
controlled by various "connected" and automation platforms, such as
and without limitation, Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
[0053] In various aspects, the disclosed apparatuses, systems, and
methods provide numerous advantages over current solutions or plant
containers. In further aspects, the disclosed planter apparatuses,
systems and methods provide a new method for growing plant indoors.
In still further aspects, the inventive design and configuration
improve water drainage, and according to some aspects, allows room
for the plant to grow. Additional advantages over the current
solutions include at least the following:
[0054] Drainage: many current planters do not have drip holes which
means plants can be over/under watered easily. The disclosed
planter apparatus includes drip holes and an integrated drip tray,
allowing plants to be fully soaked during watering and then fully
drained without worrying that a plant has been over/under watered
as well as eliminates standing water.
[0055] Water collection reservoir and drip tray: some planters have
drip holes requiring unsightly and unsanitary drip trays. When they
do, finding a drip tray to fit that prior planter is not easy (not
every size/shaped planter comes with a drip tray so you have to
find ones and they don't fit with all planters, not to mention the
planter design aesthetic). The disclosed planter apparatus and
system includes an integrated drip tray that blends into the design
aesthetic, and also allows for plants to drain without having
standing water that can attract bugs and/or mold, and eliminates
the threat of pets drinks the excess water which could contain
fertilizer/other substances that could be harmful to pets.
[0056] Self-watering: some planters have self-watering mechanism
which allow for plant roots to soak up water as needed. This can be
good, but they usually result in standing water that can become
stagnant, attract bugs and/or mold, and if over watered, the
self-watering planters present an issue with removing the excess
water. Unlike other planters, the disclosed planter apparatuses and
system avoid over watering by virtue of its internal drip tray that
allow easy-to-discard water should there be any excess.
[0057] Rootbound plants: Most planters are unable to adapt or
"grow" with the plant. At some growth stage, a plant will outgrow
their planters or require root pruning to prevent plants from
becoming rootbound and unhealthy. At this point, new planters must
be purchased to allow this plant to grow naturally. The disclosed
planter apparatus and system can grow with the plant by virtue of
the multiple planting compartments. Once a plant outgrows the
initial planting compartment, a second internal and larger planting
compartment allows for the plant to be repotted and retain the same
exterior shape/size/design at no cost or additional planter pieces
(the only thing needed is more soil).
[0058] Design, function, and weight: Additionally, indoor planters
either are a) lightweight with drip holes that have pretty ordinary
designs (i.e., traditional clay pots), b) have interesting designs
but are heavier and/or don't have drip holes, or c) focus on design
versus function whereas they might be lightweight but the actual
planting area isn't functional (mostly due to size of the internal
"pot" and lack of drip holes/drainage). The disclosed planter
apparatus and system employs both design and function to provide an
attractive planter with a virtually invisible drip tray.
Furthermore, the inventive design of the present invention address
plant growth and design aesthetic: multiple planter depths nested
within so that as the plant grows, all you need to do is replant
the plant from the initial internal smaller pot to the larger
internal pot that it's nested in; and the external planter is a
shell/panel that can be changed when the design of your home
changes, without having to change the functional planter within. In
further aspects, the outer shell/panels are not required to be
changeable, and, in some embodiments, may be integrated with or
otherwise form part of the housing. To this end, replaceable shells
and/or panels may allow for more efficient/simplified manufacturing
processes (i.e., a single or limited interior housing
configurations can be produced in large quantities, and multiple
outer shells having a multitude of designs can be produced to
accommodate different seasons, markets, and design aesthetics).
[0059] According to various further aspects of the disclosure, the
disclosed devices, apparatuses and systems can comprise multiple
configurations. In one aspect, disclosed herein is a planter
apparatus comprising multiple planting compartments; a water
collection reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of
the one or more planting compartments; and a water drainage system
configured to drain water from the one or more planting
compartments into the water collection reservoir. The one or more
planting compartments is configured in at least one of: a nested
configuration, an interlocking configuration, and a stacked
configuration. The water drainage system further comprises a water
drainage stopper configured to: open for the flow of water through
the water drainage system, and close stopping the flow of water
through the water drainage system based on the engagement and
disengagement of a water drainage stopper mechanism at the base of
the water drainage stopper. In further aspects, the water
collection reservoir may further comprise a drawer paddle
configured to engage the water drainage stopper mechanism.
[0060] In further aspects, various exemplary embodiments of the
inventive planter apparatuses, devices, systems, and methods are
shown in FIGS. 1-9. FIGS. 1-4 show various views and perspectives
of the components of planter system 100 in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. Planter system 100 includes a planter
apparatus having a removable first planting compartment 102a
removable nested in a second planting compartment 102b, and water
collection reservoir 104 in the form of a removable drawer and in
fluid communication with second planting compartment. Planter
system 100 comprises an integrated water drainage system configured
to drain water from first planting compartment into second planting
compartment and drain water from second planting compartment into
water collection reservoir. As shown in FIG. 1, planting
compartments have different volumes, smaller first planting
compartment 102a being configured to removably nest or fit within
larger second planting compartment 102b. First planting compartment
is in fluid communication with second planting compartment 102b,
and second planting compartment 102b is in fluid communication with
water collection reservoir 104, such that excess water is drained
from first planting compartment 102a to second planting compartment
102b, and then into water collection reservoir 104. In some
embodiments, the water drainage system can be further configured to
drain water from inside the water collection reservoir to outside.
In other embodiments, there may be three or more planting
compartments following the aforementioned draining
configuration.
[0061] In the present embodiment, water drainage system includes
first flow control component 106a in the form of drain configured
to drain water from first planting compartment into second planting
compartment, and second flow control component 106b configured in a
drain and valve arrangement for draining water from second planting
compartment into the water collection reservoir. Second flow
control component 106b is configured to be mechanically actuated
from a closed position to an open position. To this end, the open
position is configured to allow for the flow of water through, and
the closed position is configured to stop the flow of water, and is
based on the engagement and disengagement of second flow control
component.
[0062] To this end, water collection reservoir 104 includes paddle
member 108 configured to engage and disengage the flow control
component, wherein a valve position goes from the open position to
the closed position when the drawer is removed from the planter
apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2 paddle member 108 includes a central
channel to collect water and a relief slot at more distal location
to allow the collected water to drain into water collection
reservoir. Second flow control component generally comprises a flow
control mechanism disposed on the bottom wall of the second
planting compartment that prevents water from dripping when water
collection reservoir 104 drawer is removed, as well as preventing
soil/debris from clogging the drain component. Such a flow control
mechanism may include a drain and a valve or stopper configured to
stop water flow from the second planting compartment into the water
collection reservoir by moving the valve, stopper or other like
mechanical component from an open position to a closed position,
and may assist in physically dislodging soil from within the drain,
such as when moving into and out of the drain flow path during
engagement and disengagement.
[0063] In further aspects, planter system 100 may include
replaceable external housing sleeve or shell 112 that can provide
unique design aesthetics and that can be changed to match a user's
home decor. Further, the separate, nestable planting compartments
allow a user to re-plant a plant that has outgrown smaller first
planting compartment, thus avoiding the plant from becoming
rootbound as they grow, and without having to change planters.
Further, planter system 100 may include base 114 which can be
configured for separate attachment of casters to easily move
planter apparatus to new locations, which is further enhanced
through the use of lightweight materials. Still further, water
collection reservoir 104 can allow the plant to be fully soaked and
drain naturally without having roots sit in water, which can
prevent root rot. Planter system 100 may also include water gauge
116 while to indicate know when to discard excess water.
[0064] The present disclosure, according to further aspects, also
provides methods of using the disclosed planter apparatuses,
devices and systems. In one aspect, FIG. 9 is a flow chart setting
forth the general stages involved in a method 900 consistent with
an embodiment of the disclosure for using planter system 100.
Method 900 may be implemented using planter system 100 as described
in more detail below with respect to FIG. 1. Although method 900
has been described to be performed by planter apparatus 100, it
should be understood that, in some embodiments, different
operations may be performed by different elements coupled with
planter apparatus 100. For example, planter apparatus 100 may be
employed in the performance of some or all of the stages in method
900. Similarly, other planter apparatus embodiments disclosed
herein may be employed in the performance of some or all of the
stages in method 900.
[0065] Although the stages illustrated by the flow charts are
disclosed in a particular order, it should be understood that the
order is disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Stages may be
combined, separated, reordered, and various intermediary stages may
exist. Accordingly, it should be understood that the various stages
illustrated within the flow chart may be, in various embodiments,
performed in arrangements that differ from the ones illustrated.
Moreover, various stages may be added or removed from the flow
charts without altering or deterring from the fundamental scope of
the depicted methods and systems disclosed herein. Ways to
implement the stages of method 900 will be described in greater
detail below.
[0066] Method 900 may begin at starting block 905 and proceed to
stage 910 where planter system 100 may be used by a user to plant
one or more plants in a first planting compartment of planter
system 100. For example, a small palm tree or plant may be planted
in the first planting compartment which can then be nested in the
larger, second planting compartment.
[0067] From stage 910, where nested planter system 100 is used by a
user to plant one or more plants in first planting compartments of
planter system 100, method 900 may advance to stage 920 where
planter system 100 may be watered by pouring water onto the one or
more plants planted in planter system 100. For example, water may
be provided to the plant on a schedule. Once planter system 100 is
watered by pouring water onto the planted plants in planter system
100 in stage 920, method 900 may continue to stage 930 where a user
of the planter apparatus 100 may disengage the water drainage
system by opening the water collection reservoir drawer. For
example, removing the water collection reservoir drawer, for
example to empty, may cause a flow control component to stop water
from flowing from the above planting compartment, such as by
disengagement of an actuator keeping a drain or valve open.
[0068] After the user of planter system 100 disengages the water
drainage system by opening the water collection reservoir drawer in
stage 930, method 900 may proceed to stage 940 where the user of
may engage the water drainage system by inserting the water
collection reservoir drawer back in. For example, closing the water
collection reservoir drawer may cause a stopper to release and
allow the water to drain into the water collection drawer. Once the
user of planter system 100 engages the water drainage system by
closing the water collection reservoir drawer in stage 940, method
900 may then end at stage 950. When the plant has outgrown the
first planting compartment, the first planting compartment can be
removed and replanted in the larger, second planting
compartment.
[0069] The present disclosure includes at least the following
aspects: Aspect 1: A planter system comprising: a planter apparatus
comprising: one or more planting compartments, a water collection
reservoir in fluid communication with at least one of the one or
more planting compartments; and a water drainage system configured
to drain water from one planting compartment into another planting
compartment, drain water from one planting compartment into the
water collection reservoir, or drain water from inside the water
collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir, or
a combination thereof.
[0070] Aspect 2: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water drainage system comprises at least one flow
control component.
[0071] Aspect 3: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water drainage system comprises a plurality of flow
control components.
[0072] Aspect 4: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water drainage system comprises a flow control
component configured to drain water from one planting compartment
into another planting compartment, a flow control component
configured to drain water from one planting compartment into the
water collection reservoir, or a flow control component configured
to drain water from inside the water collection reservoir to
outside the water collection reservoir, or a combination
thereof.
[0073] Aspect 5: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water drainage system comprises a first flow control
component configured to drain water from the one or more planting
compartments into the water collection reservoir and a second flow
control component configured to drain water from inside the water
collection reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir.
[0074] Aspect 6: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component comprises a drain to control a
flow of water from within a planting compartment and/or water
collection reservoir.
[0075] Aspect 7: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component comprises a drain and a valve
configured to control a flow of water flowing from the one or more
planting compartments by moving a valve position from an open
position to a closed position.
[0076] Aspect 8: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component comprises an actuator in
mechanical communication with the valve and configured to actuate
the valve from an open position to a closed position and/or from a
closed position to an open position.
[0077] Aspect 9: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the open position is configured to allow for the flow of
water through the water drainage system, and the closed position is
configured to stop the flow of water through the water drainage
system based on the engagement and disengagement of the flow
control component.
[0078] Aspect 10: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water collection reservoir further comprises a drawer
paddle configured to engage and disengage the flow control
component.
[0079] Aspect 11: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component is configured to move the valve
position from the open position to the closed position when the
drawer is removed from the planter apparatus.
[0080] Aspect 12: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component comprises a removable stopper
and drain disposed on a wall of the water collection reservoir and
configured to allow flow of water from within the water collection
reservoir to outside the water collection reservoir.
[0081] Aspect 13: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the one or more planting compartments are configured in at
least one of: a nested configuration, an interlocking
configuration, and a stacked configuration.
[0082] Aspect 14: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising a plurality of planting compartments.
[0083] Aspect 15: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein each planting compartment comprises side and bottom walls
defining a predetermined volume.
[0084] Aspect 16: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein each planting compartment of the plurality of planting
compartments are connected to at least one of: another planting
compartment or water collection reservoir.
[0085] Aspect 17: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein at least one planting compartment comprises a drain
disposed on the bottom wall and configured to allow flow of water
from within the planting compartment into another planting
compartment.
[0086] Aspect 18: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the plurality of planting compartments is configured to
connect to one another in a nested configuration, an interlocking
configuration, and a stacked configuration.
[0087] Aspect 19: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein each of the plurality of planting compartments have
different volumes.
[0088] Aspect 20: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
comprising a first planting compartment configured to nest or fit
within a second planting compartment.
[0089] Aspect 21: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the first planting compartment is in fluid communication
with the second planting compartment.
[0090] Aspect 22: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the second planting compartment is in fluid communication
with the water collection reservoir.
[0091] Aspect 23: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the second planting compartment is in fluid communication
with the water collection reservoir.
[0092] Aspect 24: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the second planting compartment comprises a flow control
component disposed on a bottom wall, the flow control component
comprising a drain and a valve configured to control a flow of
water flowing from the second planting compartment into the water
collection reservoir by moving a valve position from an open
position to a closed position.
[0093] Aspect 25: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein at least one planting compartment is configured to drain
water from said planting compartment into another planting
compartment.
[0094] Aspect 26: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein at least one planting compartment comprises a flow control
component disposed on a bottom wall, the flow control component
comprising a drain configured allow a flow of water from said
planting compartment into another planting compartment.
[0095] Aspect 27: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein at least one planting compartment comprises a drain
disposed on a bottom wall configured allow a flow of water from
said planting compartment into another planting compartment.
[0096] Aspect 28: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the flow control component comprises an actuator in
mechanical communication with the valve and configured to actuate
the valve from a closed position to an open position to allow flow
of water from within the second planting compartment.
[0097] Aspect 29: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the valve is configured to be in the closed position in the
absence of engagement of the actuator, and is configured to allow
for the flow of water through the water drainage system, and the
closed position is configured to stop the flow of water through the
water drainage system based on the engagement and disengagement of
the flow control component.
[0098] Aspect 30: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water collection reservoir comprises a drawer
configured to be removably inserted into the planter apparatus.
[0099] Aspect 31: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the drawer comprises an elongated member and/or paddle
configured to cooperate with the flow control component to control
flow of water from within the planting compartment.
[0100] Aspect 32: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the drawer comprises an elongated member and/or paddle
configured to cause the valve position to move from the closed
position to the open position by actuating the actuator when the
drawer is inserted into the planter apparatus.
[0101] Aspect 33: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water collection reservoir comprises a water gauge for
showing a water level within the water collection reservoir.
[0102] Aspect 34: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the plater apparatus comprises a housing for containing the
one or more planting compartments, water collection reservoir and
water drainage system.
[0103] Aspect 35: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising an outer shell configured to removably attach to
an outer surface of the planter apparatus.
[0104] Aspect 36: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising at least one moisture sensor configured to
determine moisture data associated with at least one planting
compartment.
[0105] Aspect 37: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising at least one water level sensor configured to
determine water level data associated with the water collection
reservoir.
[0106] Aspect 38: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising a controller communicatively connected to the
sensors and configured to at least one of: communicate moisture
data and/or water level data, or control operation of the valve
based at least on at least one of the moisture data or water level
data.
[0107] Aspect 39: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the moisture sensor is configured to communication a
notification upon meeting predetermined moisture criteria
associated with one or more planting compartments.
[0108] Aspect 40: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the water level sensor is configured to communication a
notification upon meeting predetermined water level criteria
associated with the water collection reservoir.
[0109] Aspect 41: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the controller is configured to communicate a notification
upon meeting predetermined criteria; wherein the predetermined
criteria is based on one or more of moisture data received from a
moisture sensor or water level data received from a water level
sensor.
[0110] Aspect 42: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the controller is configured to cause the valve position to
be in a closed position when water level data received from the at
least one water level sensor is above a predetermined
threshold.
[0111] Aspect 43: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising a display unit configured to show information
related to planter apparatus status, settings, parameters, or
performance, or a combination thereof.
[0112] Aspect 44: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the display unit is further configured to generate a user
interface (UI), wherein the UI is configured to enable a user of
the planter system to perform management of the planter
apparatus.
[0113] Aspect 45: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
further comprising a communication unit configured to communicate
with a client device or remote monitoring device.
[0114] Aspect 46: The planter system of any preceding aspect,
wherein the controller is further configured to generate a
Graphical User Interface (GUI) presentable on a client device,
wherein the GUI is configured to enable a user of the client device
to perform management of the planter apparatus.
[0115] While aspects of the present disclosure can be described and
claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system
statutory class, this is for convenience only and one of skill in
the art will understand that each aspect of the present disclosure
can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless
otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any
method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that
its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a
method claim does not specifically state in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is no way appreciably intended that an order be inferred, in any
respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for
interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to
arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived
from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type
of aspects described in the specification.
[0116] Throughout this application, various publications can be
referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their
entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this
application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to
which this pertains. The references disclosed are also individually
and specifically incorporated by reference herein for the material
contained in them that is discussed in the sentence in which the
reference is relied upon. Nothing herein is to be construed as an
admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate
such publication by virtue of prior disclosure. Further, the dates
of publication provided herein can be different from the actual
publication dates, which can require independent confirmation.
[0117] The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the
claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
Claims
[0118] While the specification includes examples, the disclosure's
scope is indicated by the following claims. Furthermore, while the
specification has been described in language specific to structural
features and/or methodological acts, the claims are not limited to
the features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features
and acts described above are disclosed as example for embodiments
of the disclosure.
[0119] Insofar as the description above and the accompanying
drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within
the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to
the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims
such additional disclosures is reserved.
[0120] Although very narrow claims are presented herein, it should
be recognized the scope of this disclosure is much broader than
presented by the claims. It is intended that broader claims will be
submitted in an application that claims the benefit of priority
from this application.
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